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The deliverable D1.1 provided a structured analysis of the textile value chain and identifies key barriers and improvement pathways toward circularity. The objective is to establish a shared analytical framework for the TRUSTex project, enabling a systemic understanding of material flows, value retention opportunities and structural bottlenecks across the sector. The deliverable develops a synthetic representation of the textile value chain, covering raw material production, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and end-of-life management. This model integrates existing circular routes, such as reuse, refurbishment, repurposing, and recycling into a coherent framework. The synthetic value chain serves as a reference tool to visualise where value is created, degraded, or lost. It highlights critical leverage points and demonstrates that circularity must be addressed across the entire system rather than through isolated downstream interventions. Supply-Side Circular Strategies The analysis examines circular strategies implemented by economic actors, including: - Ecodesign to improve durability, repairability, and recyclability - Circular procurement and regenerative material strategies - Industrial symbiosis and material flow optimisation - Functionality-based business models aimed at slowing resource use Consumer Demand and Behaviour Consumer behaviour plays a central role in determining product lifetimes and overall material flows. Although awareness of sustainability issues has increased, purchasing decisions are still primarily influenced by affordability, availability and fashion trends. Alternative consumption models such as second-hand markets, rental services, and resale platforms are expanding but remain marginal relative to mainstream retail. Extending product lifetimes through durability, repair services, and supportive market conditions emerges as a critical pathway to reduce environmental pressure. Waste Management and End-of-Life Practices The deliverable reviews existing textile waste management practices within the EU regulatory context. Key challenges include: - Rising volumes of post-consumer textiles - Limited harmonisation in reporting and definitions - Insufficient sorting and recycling capacities - Technical constraints linked to fibre blends and product design Reuse remains the most value-preserving pathway, but depends on sorting quality and market demand. Recycling technologies are developing, yet remain constrained by material complexity and economic competitiveness. Without upstream changes in design and consumption patterns, end-of-life solutions alone cannot ensure systemic circularity. Systemic Barriers and Pathways for Improvement The assessment identifies structural barriers embedded within the current linear model, including : - Production and distribution systems optimised for speed and volume - Market incentives favouring virgin materials - Consumption patterns reinforcing short use cycles - Fragmented governance and infrastructure - Circularity therefore requires coordinated interventions across the entire value chain. Strategies that prioritise value retention durability, reuse, repair, and improved design offer greater systemic impact than recycling alone D1.1 establishes the conceptual and analytical foundation for subsequent project activities. By identifying leverage points and systemic bottlenecks, it supports the development of tools, governance mechanisms, and innovation pathways aimed at improving traceability, coordination, and circular performance within the textile sector.